Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation to launch 200mph UK air taxi service
Joby Aviation, a US-based developer of electric air taxis, has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to introduce its zero-emission air taxi service in the UK. The move marks a significant step in the development of advanced air mobility, promising fast and efficient urban transport.
The partnership builds on Joby’s existing agreement with Delta Air Lines, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. The collaboration aims to create short-range flight connections from key UK hubs, including Heathrow and Manchester Airport, reducing travel times between cities and major transport hubs.
Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s UK rollout by marketing the service to its customers, working with regulators, and helping to establish landing infrastructure at strategic locations. The airline’s app and website will offer passengers the option to book flights on Joby’s aircraft.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. The aircraft features six tilting propellers, enabling vertical take-off and landing with significantly less noise than conventional helicopters. With an expected range of up to 100 miles, the service is set to provide a quicker alternative to congested road routes.
Potential routes include an eight-minute flight from Heathrow to Canary Wharf, compared to an 80-minute car journey, and a 15-minute trip from Manchester Airport to Leeds. Joby intends to expand its network across the UK, with fares expected to be similar to premium ground transport options.
The initiative follows Joby’s participation in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, where it showcased its aircraft in the UK for the first time. The company has also applied for UK Civil Aviation Authority approval to operate its aircraft.
Joby has already conducted thousands of test flights worldwide, including demonstrations in New York, Japan, and South Korea. With the backing of Delta and now Virgin Atlantic, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of urban air mobility, bringing electric air taxis closer to commercial reality in the UK.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK. Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, said: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK. Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
